Neurological Test 1 Flashcards
Which assessment findings would you expect to see in the client who has a head injury close to where the spinal cord and brain connect?
all basic functions may be changed
Describe the primary function of the brain, spinal cord and cranial nerves.
The brain occupies the cranial activity, covered by membranes, fluids, and the skull bones, and is divided into: cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum.
Discuss the functions of the parietal, frontal, occipital, and temporal lobes of the brain.
Frontal: primary motor area, conscious control of skeletal muscles, personality, judgement.
Parietal: Primary sensory area. Interprets of touch, pain, and temperature.
Temporal: Auditory and olfactory areas. Also short and long term memory.
Occipital: Visual receiving and visual association area.
Describe how to assess the function of the 12 cranial nerves.
Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Virgin Girls Vagina, Aah Heaven
List the nursing implications for the nurse caring for a client undergoing a CT scan with contrast. What teaching would you include for the patient?
refrain from consuming foods or liquids for 4 hours prior
check allergy to shellfish/iodine
assess renal function
no follow up care
What assessment finding would you expect in a client with a brain injury to the occipital lobe?
Visual transmissions and interpretation occur in the visual areas of the occipital lobe. These areas direct a person’s visual experiences.
Discuss the function of Broca’s area of the brain.
MOTOR SPEECH
a region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere (usually the left) of the hominid brain with functions linked to speech production.
Describe the main functions of the thalamus, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and medulla oblongata.
thalamus: the region of the brain that deciphers where to send messages. RELAY STATION FOR SENSORY IMPULES :)
hypothalamus: regulates body temperature. REGLATES HOMEOSTASIS
cerebellum: FUNCTIONS: COORDINATES VOLUNTARY MUSCLES, MAINTAINS BALANCE, MAINTAINS MUSCLE TONE.
medulla oblongata: CONTROLS MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION, REGULATES RATE AND FORCE OF HEART BEAT, CONTRACTION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE IN THE BLOOD VESSEL WALLS.
Discuss the function of the limbic system.
The location between the cerebrum and the diencephalon. It links the conscious functions of the cerebral cortex and the automatic functions of the brain stem.
involved in EMOTIONAL STATES AND BEHAVIOR
List the functions controlled by the medulla oblongata.
CONTROLS MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION
REGULATES RATE AND FORCE OF HEART BEAT
CONTRACTION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE IN THE BLOOD VESSEL WALLS
Explain the method for assessing pupil accommodation.
PERRLA
List three questions to ask the client to determine the intensity of pain.
how much pain do you have now?
what is the worst/best pain has been?
how would you rate your pain on a 0 - 10 scale?
Explain how to assess corneal reflexes.
Neurons in the brain communicate via electrical impulses and neurotransmitters. The nervous system is a complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
Discuss the teaching for the client having seizures who is prescribed gabapentin (Neurontin).
monitor plasma levels keep seizure diary take as prescribes do not take extra doses avoid hazardous activities practice good oral hygiene avoid alcohol
List three principles about pain in a client.
Never question whether the pain is real or not.
Discuss the care plan and client education for the client undergoing a cerebral angiogram with contrast dye.
pre: ask if pregnant assess allergies to shellfish/iodine sign consent form NPO 4-8 hours prior don't wear jewelry mild sedative during procedure keep head immobilized assess kidney function void before the test metallic taste, warm sensation over the face, jaw, tongue, lips, and behind dye might be apparent
Post:
monitor clotting
restrict movement 8-12 hours
check pedal pulses
Discuss the teaching for the client undergoing an electroencephalogram. What does this diagnostic test measure.
noninvasive procedure to assess the electrical activity of the brain. Used to find: abnormalities in brain wave patterns, determine seizure activity, detect sleep disorders, behavior changes.
review meds
remove clips in hair
wash hair before procedure. no hair products
“sleep deprivation before test”
What is the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale? What assessment findings would you expect in the client with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 7?
Determines the level of consciousness (LOC) and to monitor response to treatment
List a medication that may be given to a client undergoing an MRI of the brain. Why?
Ativan used to relax the patient and to prevent claustrophobia.
What nursing actions should be included pre-procedure for a client receiving an MRI?
Question about any implants containing metal (pacemaker, orthopedic joints, IUD). remove jewelry.
Performed in supine position. Head must be secured to prevent any movement during the procedure.
List three nursing responsibilities for the client undergoing a lumbar puncture.
Client needs to remain in a “cannonball” position.
Sterile procedure.
Remove jewelry and client must wear gown.
Void before procedure.
Describe the nursing care of the client following a craniotomy.
treatment depends on the neurological status of the client after surgery
Which medications are used to treat trigeminal neuralgia?
carbamazepine oxycarbazepine gabapentin clonazepam phenytoin lamotrigine
Describe the symptoms of a “classic migraine” headache.
photophobia and phonophobia
nausea and vomiting
stress and anxiety
unilateral pain, often behind one ear
Define absence, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures.
ABSENCE: most common in children, loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds, them client resumes baseline neurological functions
MYOCLONIC: are brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles. “Myo” means muscle and “clonus” (KLOH-nus) means rapidly alternating contraction and relaxation—jerking or twitching—of a muscle. Usually they don’t last more than a second or two.
TONIC-CLONIC: usually lasts 1 to 2 minutes, but no more than 5. Will see an aura.
- Tonic: stiffening of muscles, loss of LOC, cessation of breathing
- Clonic: rhythmic jerking, irregular respirations, biting of cheek or tongue, bladder and bowel incontinence may occur.
List 6 signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. What symptoms would you expect to appear first?
severe headache
deteriorating LOC, restlessness, irritability
dilated, pinpoint, or asymmetrical pupils
alteration in breathing
deterioration in motor function
seizures